* Help stop spam. Please enter the lake name you see over the flying moose.

Previous Messages:

Author

Message Text

jtoutdoors

04/07/2012 09:14PM
Anywhere in quetico is fantastic. Coming from Mich the closest spot on the north side would be French lake. If u want good scenery, ie waterfalls, then I would suggest Stanton bay entry and make your way to chatterton falls! The biggest problem with Stanton is nonresidents cannot park there. Chatterton is an excellent place to see, easily in my top 5 places in quetico. If water levels low like I suspect they will be this year the deux river is a challenge at best. We found that out first hand last fall. The bisk, beg and bud stretch is very scenic with one long portage as I recall and you would Probly encounter less people. Russell lake, which chatterton flows into is one of my favorite lakes, Probly cause the fishing had been fantastic for us!

Canoodler

04/07/2012 06:32PMquote cats2cats: "What is RABC? We now have our own canoe's but have never taken them into Canada via the top of the car. Does anyone know the procedure coming from MI? We would like to park our car and do a loop and not use an outfitter. Is that safe to do? Thanks for you input."

Jackfish defines the RABC well. Go to http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/canpass/rabc-pfre/menu-eng.html#c03 to apply. If you have a significant criminal record (misdemeanor or worse), forget it and instead enter the north side of the Park after crossing the border in your car. It is somewhat risky to park your car at any entry point, Quetico or BWCAW. Consulting an outfitter concerning your route is a wise thing to do unless you feel that your questions are adequately answered via forums such as this.

dgpile

04/01/2012 03:02PMquote BillConner01: "I believe you need a passport to enter Canada and return to US by land or sea if 16 or older. The passport will simplify getting an RABC or going through Canadian customs. It may be that some simpler card or document will suffice. By air, I believe only passport for everyone, but then in true federaleese, it may be that by air under 16's have some exemptions.

And I believe that is true whether you enter through a customs station or in a remote area."Either a passport or passport card (a bit cheaper) are normally required to return from Canada to the US. Rules change so check out the WHTI web site. There are too many gov web pages so start with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative's

In addition to being cheaper the passport card may expire sooner than a passport but I'm sprouting gray hair and it has been a while (more than 12 hours) since I reviewed all this.

Jester

AdamXChicago

03/30/2012 09:16PM
Best falls that are reasonably accessible from the northern Q IMHO is Chatterton on the eastern end of Russell Lake. Closest entry point is Stanton Bay and you can easily make the falls by the second day. Great fishing in this area, but it's popular, so even around Labor Day you'll likely see a canoe or two. You can go through the B Lakes or via Deux Riviere - both reasonable efforts, but the Deux can be a bear during low water. Beautiful area.

cats2cats

03/30/2012 08:25PM
We're thinking of going through Beaverhouse. What loop would you suggest? We'll have 8-9 days and prefer smaller to larger lakes. I know you have to do some large. Rivers are fine also Where are the best waterfalls? Are they through Beaverhouse or another entry point. Thanks for all the input.

boonie

03/29/2012 08:24PM
I think the suggestion was just a way to avoid an unpleasant surprise at the border. I don't remember if there was any discussion about the degree of rigor of screening between the two. I just remember a couple of people saying they got to the border, then one member of the party was denied entry. Doesn't sound like a good way to start a trip.

I still haven't been to the Q, but hope to someday. Just trying to get some idea of the extra stuff involved and what's different.

billconner

03/29/2012 05:05PM
In theory, passing through customs at the border is same screening as getting an RABC but in fact, it might be less rigorous but could be more rigorous. I went through Fort Francis customs and happen to have an RABC from earlier trip and I swear it slowed us down.

At least a passport is once in 10 years; and RABC is every year.

I follow rules but it is frustrating in maybe 10 or so trips using an RABC, not once have I ever had to show it. No way I suggest you take a chance, but should it fall in the fire when you're there, I would not worry, and I'm a worrier by genes.

boonie

03/29/2012 09:02AM
Thanks, Bill. Yeah, I guess I'd have to get a passport anyway, huh? I seem to remember others in the past suggesting applying for an RABC if some members of the group may have past issues for which they might be denied entry at the border?

billconner

03/29/2012 07:27AM
I believe you need a passport to enter Canada and return to US by land or sea if 16 or older. The passport will simplify getting an RABC or going through Canadian customs. It may be that some simpler card or document will suffice. By air, I believe only passport for everyone, but then in true federaleese, it may be that by air under 16's have some exemptions.

And I believe that is true whether you enter through a customs station or in a remote area.

Kanoes point about gas is interesting. For me, Atikokan adds about 250 miles round trip over Ely. That's 10 gallons or $40.00 roughly. For me, I'd gladly pay more than $10 (gas less the RABC fee) to not have to spend the time and planning to get an RABC. More than one person, and I'd say you're ahead. And extra half day of solitude and simplicity of a BH entry over PP (no stop at ranger station) - priceless.

boonie

03/29/2012 07:22AMquote BillConner01: "quote boonie: "quote BillConner01: "Beaverhouse entry. Solitude and few portages for at least the first half day. Avoid RABC also."Bill, just wondering what is the advantage of avoiding the RABC?"Saving $30CA per person (a spouse and dependants under 18 can be on one pass) and the time it takes to apply - which isn't much - but figure 6 weeks in advance to be on safe side. Maybe I'm gun-shy because of last year's Canadian mail strike and having to call every day the last week before my scheduled departure.

Just one less thing to think about and have to have done."

Thanks, but I guess that assumes you already have a passport...?

Jackfish

03/29/2012 12:43AMquote cats2cats: "What is RABC?."RABC = Remote Area Border Crossing Permit, also known as a CANPASS.

You apply for an RABC permit when you're going to cross into Canada in the backcountry, not at an official Canadian Customs station as you would when you drive across. By submitting your RABC application, you, in essence, are passing through customs, only you're doing it by mail instead of in person.

Don't forget to stop at the U.S. Customs office upon your return. Uncle Sam likes to welcome you back in person.

kanoes

03/28/2012 09:35PMquote BillConner01: "quote boonie: "quote BillConner01: "Beaverhouse entry. Solitude and few portages for at least the first half day. Avoid RABC also."Bill, just wondering what is the advantage of avoiding the RABC?"Saving $30CA per person (a spouse and dependants under 18 can be on one pass) and the time it takes to apply - which isn't much - but figure 6 weeks in advance to be on safe side. Maybe I'm gun-shy because of last year's Canadian mail strike and having to call every day the last week before my scheduled departure.

Just one less thing to think about and have to have done."now a days gas prices erase some of those savings, especially if you fill up in ontario.

AdamXChicago

03/28/2012 09:19PMquote cats2cats: " What about Baptism Creek or Pickerel Lake entry points? We're comming from MI and that would cut down on the driving. "Starting from French Lake is popular, so you'll likely run into more traffic. You'll have some choice spots throughout Pickerel Lake, Rawn, 3-Bs, etc. While the Baptism Creek route is definitely remote / isolated, I wouldn't recommend going that route with inexperienced teens, especially if you want to reach Cache Lake - just my $.02...

Adam

billconner

03/28/2012 04:33PMquote boonie: "quote BillConner01: "Beaverhouse entry. Solitude and few portages for at least the first half day. Avoid RABC also."Bill, just wondering what is the advantage of avoiding the RABC?"Saving $30CA per person (a spouse and dependants under 18 can be on one pass) and the time it takes to apply - which isn't much - but figure 6 weeks in advance to be on safe side. Maybe I'm gun-shy because of last year's Canadian mail strike and having to call every day the last week before my scheduled departure.

Just one less thing to think about and have to have done.

boonie

03/28/2012 04:10PMquote BillConner01: "Beaverhouse entry. Solitude and few portages for at least the first half day. Avoid RABC also."

Bill, just wondering what is the advantage of avoiding the RABC?

cats2cats

03/28/2012 02:59PM
What about Baptism Creek or Pickerel Lake entry points? We're comming from MI and that would cut down on the driving.

OldGreyGoose

03/28/2012 02:49PM
Park at Beaverhouse -- it's safe -- entries are: Cirrus L., Quetico L., Three Mile Lake(?) (the one exiting BH to the West down Quetico River). Lots of "loop" opportunities . . . search a little and you will find this discussed a lot in the recent past . . . --Goose

cats2cats

03/28/2012 02:39PM
What is RABC? We now have our own canoe's but have never taken them into Canada via the top of the car. Does anyone know the procedure coming from MI? We would like to park our car and do a loop and not use an outfitter. Is that safe to do? Thanks for you input.

billconner

03/28/2012 09:37AM
If you want to park and loop and return to vehicle, BH. If shuttling from Atikokan or an outfitter elsewhere in the north, consider Lerome Lake and then loop or exit at another point. Lerome Lake is just a little closer to Atikokan and most - not all - of the northern outfitters but not a place to leave a vehicle I'm told.

mooseplums

03/28/2012 08:33AMquote BillConner01: "Beaverhouse entry. Solitude and few portages for at least the first half day. Avoid RABC also."

My favorite entry so far

Beemer01

03/28/2012 07:11AM
The great thing about the Q is that isolation - compared to the BWCA - is almost guaranteed. Even at Peak season - there are darn few people up there.

Agree on Beaverhouse - getting to the Northern parts of Quetico from Moose is a wonderful trip, but doing it in the time frame you outlined doesn't allow for any weather related delays.

AdamXChicago

03/27/2012 10:29PMquote BillConner01: "Beaverhouse entry. Solitude and few portages for at least the first half day. Avoid RABC also."

What Bill said if you want isolation. See related topic re: jimboChi

MrBreeze

03/27/2012 02:50PM
Trip have been wanting to make is through Sag (tow to western point) then up falls chain to Kawnipi, south through agnes and louisa and back to Sag.

Would love to spend a week on saganagons pulling out big wallys too

Jackfish

03/27/2012 02:19PM
Nym or French Lake. Lots of different loops that you can do.

billconner

03/27/2012 01:35PM
Beaverhouse entry. Solitude and few portages for at least the first half day. Avoid RABC also.

cats2cats

03/27/2012 12:34PM
Two adults and five teens are headed to northern Quetico for 7-9 days. We haven't been in 20 years and usually go through Moose lake. We're looking for wildlife and isolation. Not into fishing. The teens are decent paddlers. Where do you suggest we start and what routes to take?

Stay Updated

Help Support BWCA.com

Help keep the flying moose flying and
this great site and online community alive by contributing your financial support.
This site has grown since 2002 from a few visitors a day to up to 10,000
visitors a day during peak season. We support this high volume of visitors
along with the wonderful resources, interactive maps, and online community.